Clinical Legal Education: Bridging the gap between study and legal practice

Abstract

For a law student, the academic study of the law and the actual practice of its principles seem worlds apart. With our desk piled high with books, case reports and legislation, the opportunity to experience and reflect upon the human interaction that underpins legal practice is notably lacking. While good lawyer client relationships are vital to successful legal practice, at present, a law student can obtain their law degree without ever interviewing a client or managing a case file. It was with this paradox in mind that during 2000 we embraced the opportunity to be a part of a clinical legal education program run by La Trobe University’s School of Law and Legal Studies.